CSI2* Roosendaal
Netherlands

A home win for Ole Kristoffer Meland in the Kingsland Grand Prix at AEG

Saturday, 23 February 2013

One to watch; Ole Kristoffer Meland. Photo by Ingvild Surdal/hestefrelst.no.Ole Kristoffer Meland and Mira VIII took an extremely popular home win at AEG in Vestfold, Norway, Saturday afternoon. Aboard the Danish-bred Mira VIII (Rockland x Leendert) Ole Kristoffer was one out of four double clears, which of two were Norwegian - much to the home crowds' delight! Seven riders went on to the jump-off, where the very talented Meland was followed by Joep Raijmakers with Van Schjindel’s Winston (Cantos x Concorde), Jur Vrieling with VDL Zavall (Casall x Emillion) and Tony Andre Hansen riding Quartel du Mazes (Mr Blue x Surcouf De Revel). The course in Vestfold was build by Bo Bak Andersen and caused some difficulties, with faults spreading out in the first round. Bak Andersen will be one of the course builders for the Europeans in Herning, and gave a taste of what is to come in August.

The 28 year old Norwegian rider had his international breakthrough this season and ended as number eight in the World Cup in Lyon riding his Norwegian bred top horse CC Top. He was named “The Rider of the Year” in Norway in January, and with today’s win he has definitely proved why. Fittingly Ole is also a Kingsland rider!

Runner-up Joep Raijmakers. Photo by Ingvild Surdal/hestefrelst.no.”This is the first time I have Mira as my first horse. She jumped some classes in Bordeaux, and was really nice there. But this is the biggest she has ever jumped. CC Top [Ole’s best horse] is currently resting, and will be prepared for the outdoor season. So that’s how Mira came to do the job here under the AEG. I’m very satisfied and incredibly happy,” said Meland afterwards.